Concealed Weapon Detection System for Advanced Security Screening

1 Introduction
2 Concealed weapon detection systems
3 X-ray inspection of cargo and containers
4 Video analytics and incident detection
5 Integration and operational considerations
6 Conclusion
7 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] Introduction

Security screening at transport facilities, public buildings, critical infrastructure and other controlled-access environments can involve technologies for detecting concealed objects, inspecting goods and monitoring activity. These technologies can supplement physical security measures and the work of trained security personnel.

Concealed weapon detection systems, X-ray inspection equipment and video analytics address different security and operational requirements. They should generally be selected as part of a risk-based security strategy rather than as isolated technologies. The appropriate combination depends on the nature of the site, the assets and people being protected, the identified threats, the required throughput and the operational environment.

[edit] Concealed weapon detection systems

Concealed weapon detection systems are designed to identify objects carried by a person that may not be readily visible during a conventional visual security check. Depending on the technology, systems can detect metallic objects or use other sensing techniques to identify objects or materials that may represent a security concern.

Some systems are designed to screen people as they pass through a defined detection area without requiring physical contact. This can allow a greater number of people to be screened than would be practical using manual searches alone. Detection performance varies according to the sensing technology, the characteristics of the object, the position in which it is carried and the operating environment.

Such systems can be used at controlled entrances to transport facilities, public buildings, government premises, event venues and other locations where there is an identified requirement to detect prohibited or potentially dangerous items.

Automated detection does not eliminate the need for trained security personnel. An alarm normally requires assessment to determine whether it represents a genuine security concern and what further screening or action is appropriate. System selection should therefore consider detection performance, false-alarm rates, throughput, accessibility, environmental conditions, privacy requirements, operator training and integration with existing security procedures.

[edit] X-ray inspection of cargo and containers

X-ray inspection systems can be used to examine the contents of baggage, parcels, vehicles, containers and other consignments without opening them. X-rays pass through the object being inspected and are detected after transmission through the material, producing an image that can reveal differences in material density and composition.

Large-scale X-ray systems can be used for the inspection of freight and shipping containers. They can allow trained operators to examine cargo for anomalous objects, concealed compartments, undeclared goods or other features that warrant further investigation.

X-ray inspection does not necessarily provide a complete substitute for physical examination. The effectiveness of screening depends on factors including the X-ray energy, detector performance, image quality, cargo arrangement, material characteristics and operator competence. Dense or overlapping materials can make interpretation difficult.

When selecting a container inspection system, relevant considerations include the dimensions and mass of the items to be inspected, required throughput, image quality, detection requirements, radiation protection, site layout, system availability, maintenance and integration with other inspection procedures. The use of X-ray equipment must also comply with applicable radiation protection requirements.

[edit] Video analytics and incident detection

Video analytics can be used with CCTV systems to identify predefined events or patterns within camera images. Rather than relying entirely on operators to continuously observe multiple video feeds, software can analyse images and generate alerts when specified conditions are detected.

In transport environments, video analytics can support the identification of events such as stopped or stationary vehicles, vehicles travelling in an incorrect direction, congestion, objects on a carriageway and other predefined incidents. The precise capabilities depend on the cameras, software, environmental conditions and configuration of the system.

Automated alerts can help control-room operators prioritise events and direct attention to locations requiring investigation. They do not necessarily establish the cause or significance of an event, and human assessment may still be required.

The performance of video analytics can be affected by lighting, weather, camera position, image quality, obstructions, traffic density and changes to the surrounding environment. Systems should therefore be appropriately designed, configured, tested and maintained.

[edit] Integration and operational considerations

Different security technologies perform different functions and should not be assumed to provide equivalent protection. Concealed weapon detection addresses people entering a controlled area, X-ray inspection addresses the examination of objects or consignments, and video analytics can provide continuous observation and automated identification of predefined events.

Integration can allow information from different systems to be presented to security or control-room personnel through a common operational interface. This can improve situational awareness and support the coordination of responses, but integration also introduces requirements for compatible systems, reliable communications, appropriate data management and clearly defined operational responsibilities.

A security technology project should begin with an assessment of the threats, vulnerabilities and assets requiring protection. The resulting security requirements can then inform the selection and positioning of detection and screening systems. (Designing Buildings)

Other factors include expected throughput, accessibility, environmental conditions, physical space, power and communications infrastructure, maintenance access, staff training and the consequences of system failure. Privacy and data protection requirements may also apply where systems process information about individuals or record identifiable activity.

Technology should complement, rather than replace, appropriate physical security measures and operational procedures. Access control, perimeter security, trained personnel, incident response arrangements and appropriate management procedures may all form part of an overall security strategy. (Designing Buildings)

[edit] Conclusion

Concealed weapon detection, X-ray inspection and video analytics can provide different layers of security and operational monitoring. Their effectiveness depends not only on the technical capabilities of the equipment but also on appropriate system design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, operator training and response procedures.

A future-ready security infrastructure is therefore based on a risk assessment and clearly defined security requirements rather than the simple accumulation of detection technologies. Systems should be selected according to the threats they are intended to address and integrated into the wider physical and operational security arrangements of the facility.